My Personal Biography.

My Name is Jarlath Lydon. I am from Ballinrobe in Co. Mayo. Ballinrobe

itself is a thriving market town. Throughout the past decade, increased
new housing developments has promoted the location as an attractive
dormitory town for both the two nearby foremost central business districts
Galway and Castlebar. There are numerous renovated, historic structures
in and around the town.

Furthermore, Ballinrobe has more protected buildings than any other town in Co. Mayo. As I
have a keen interest in archectural design I believe that it is important that the community of
Ballinrobe both maintains and retains these iconic structures. Ballinrobe is situated on the
Wild Atlantic Way and this carries many advantages such as the Great Western Greenway
which traverses Irelands Atlantic coast between Westport town and Achill Island and visits
the picturesque villages of Newport and Mulranny. This is convenient for me; as I enjoy
outdoor pursuits. For instance, cycling on the Great western Greenway and while en route I
pause and admire the West of Irelands most dramatic mountains and the magnificent views
of Clew Bay and its many islands.

Prior to entering full time education I qualified and worked as an Electrician on a multiplicity
of building projects throughout Ireland. During the course of my employment I gained
invaluable experience both working on my own initiative and collaborating with work
colleagues. In addition, I also gained experience as to how people learn and acquire skills
through teaching apprentice Electricians as they completed the various phases of on the job
training through to qualification. As well as, gaining valuable experience in the electrical
world I also gained many life experiences which enabled me to excel when returning to third
level education to complete my Design Technology and Education degree.

At present I am completing the final year of my Design Technology and Education degree at
GMIT Galway. On completion of my degree I will be qualified to teach Materials
Technology Wood and Technical Graphics to junior certificate level. Furthermore, I will also
be qualified to teach Design Communication Graphics and Construction Studies at Leaving
Certificate Level.

I enjoy working with wood and manufacturing unique projects to the highest possible
standards. This is evident from the quality of the finished products that I produced during my
Educational projects module in GMIT Letterfrack. The current junior cycle reform provided
me with rationale to conduct my final year thesis on the practice of student teacher
collaboration. The conclusion of my thesis will provide an insight into the perceptions of
student teachers in relation to Collaborative Teaching and learning.